Ok. I've decided not to do the Georgetown to Idaho Springs half on Saturday. I could try to do it, simply because I've already registered. But, I don't think I'd feel very good after it was over. And I have too much to do between the end of it and the following weekend. My sister is getting married! I have a house to clean, a tent to put up in the yard, a BBQ dinner to prepare, shopping to do, etc. If I'd actually trained for the half and thought I'd recover well, that would be a different story. But, there is no way I am even close to being ready to run 13 miles and feel good about it. Which, on any other weekend, I'd be ok with. I'd be ok suffering through just to say I did it. But, I don't want to be leaning all crazy while standing next to my sister on her big day. I want to be able to stand up straight and proud right next to her. So, there. It's decided.
The next one is October 9th...Rock and Roll Denver. I've got 2 months to get back at it.
Game face...starting August 23rd.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
You'd think I'd have figured this out by now...
I have fallen off the running wagon again. I did 6 miles last weekend and 50 minutes on the treadmill this weekend. Didn't get any runs in during the weekdays. How am I going to get myself ready for the Georgetown to Idaho Springs half? Sigh.
Friday, July 8, 2011
4th of July race with my sister!
My sister's birthday is July 3rd. On the 4th, we ran the 4 on the 4th race sponsored by Avery Brewing company. Here we are at the start.
It's a 4K and the course is about a mile from the brewery. The first place male and female finishers each win their weight in beer. Here is the female first place winner. The male winner got 5 cases. :-)
Oh yeah! It was a fun time. The top three in each age group (5 year increments) also each won a case of beer. I'm not fast enough to compete, I finished 13th in my age group, but was happy to partake in the post race festivities.There was free cold beer being poured, huge hot breakfast burritos and fruit salad. Yum!
It was really stinking hot too. It was especially hot walking nearly a mile back to the brewery after the race. But, once we got there, it was all good. We got a seat inside and cooled off while eating and toasting our successful 4K. My sister is just getting into running. She did really well, too. We are in the same age group. She finished just 5 places behind me. Yay! It was a fun loop course so we got to high five each other about 3 times along the way. Here's her game face at the start.
Way to finish strong sista!! Woot! When's the next one? :-)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Do I need a Running Training Group?
Today I did a drop in group run with the training group Runner's Edge of the Rockies. RER gets their runs started at 6:30 in the AM. Today's run was in Greenwood Village, quite a haul for me. They design their runs as an out and back so folks can run their distance by hitting the appropriate turn around marker. I went as far as the 6 mile turn around. The long run was 20 miles. There were 6 new folks, including myself, in attendance. I'm guessing there were at least 150 maybe 200 people milling about at the start. They split the group up into various pace groups and a walker group. I went out with the slowest pace group, the 4:45 marathon/2:13 half marathon pace. That was a bit faster than I was looking to run but oh well.
The run was a mix of neighborhood streets, paved bike paths and crushed gravel trails. The slowest pace group had two pacers so they split the group in half. I set out with the first group at the back of the pack. The second group caught us at the first water station. I'm not sure if they were going faster than us or if we were going slower than the pace. It sure didn't feel very slow. It was a little disconcerting to have all of us in this large group taking up the whole path or sidewalk but the leaders would call out when bikes or other runners were coming towards us and the group would move to the proper side to allow them by. Two folks did get caught behind us for a short time but they were able to pass when we all turned the corner towards the trail.
It was nice to have a supported run. I'd forgotten to bring any Clif Bars so decided against going the 8 miles that I'd hoped for. I think that would have been ambitious considering my lack of runs since Estes. I ate two orange wedges - the candy and sugar kind - that was at the first aid station. I also brought my own water bottle since they try to be cupless on the long runs. So, I was able to also take on some Gatorade as well. That helped a lot. It was hot even that early.
There wasn't a lot of instruction at the start which kind of bothered me. I wasn't sure if I needed to check in or anything. Apparently not. There were some announcements at about 6:15, some stretching after that, and then the group leader started sending out the pace groups. Since I was in the last pace group, I got to finish all the stretching exercises.
Most everyone seemed to know other folks in the larger group. Not all ran together in the same pace groups. Some who ran with the same pace groups didn't all run the same distances. But, our group seemed to like to chit chat during the run. The woman I ran alongside wasn't very chatty which was fine with me. She was going for 10 miles and had a pretty similar pace to mine. She left ahead of me at the first aid station though and I didn't see her again after that.
Once I hit the 6 mile turn around, I ran the rest of my run pretty much alone. I did stop to chat with David, the leader of RER. He was parked near one of the trail heads I think just encouraging folks along or perhaps checking to see when the first runners might make it back to the finish. I didn't know who he was as we'd only communicated via email. When I saw him there next to a RER SUV I asked if he was David. We chatted for a little longer than I'd anticipated but I was glad for the rest and time to stretch a bit.
When I made it back to Panera where we started, a few folks were milling about. I sort of hung around a bit as I had some questions for David but others were taking up his time. So, I headed home instead.
My alarm went off at 5am. I hit the snooze until about 5:15. I brushed my teeth, dressed, and hit the road by about 5:30. I got to Panera right about 6:10am. Announcements began about 6:15 and the run started about 6:30. My pace group went out about 6:40. I finished my run at 8am. I got home about 9am. That's a really long day for about an hour or so of actual running. I think that sealed it for me. I don't think I will join this training group. I'm sure there would be benefits and improvements but, that's just too much of my weekend and way to early. I think I'll do a couple of $20 drop in runs when they are convenient and I feel I need some pacing or a particular distance.
Otherwise, I just need to set myself up for early morning runs out my front door every weekend. I've already got a good route to run. I can pick my distance very easily as the miles are marked clearly by the stop lights along the route. I just have to commit and get it done. That's it.
I think I'll spend that money on a motorcycle safety training class. :-)
The run was a mix of neighborhood streets, paved bike paths and crushed gravel trails. The slowest pace group had two pacers so they split the group in half. I set out with the first group at the back of the pack. The second group caught us at the first water station. I'm not sure if they were going faster than us or if we were going slower than the pace. It sure didn't feel very slow. It was a little disconcerting to have all of us in this large group taking up the whole path or sidewalk but the leaders would call out when bikes or other runners were coming towards us and the group would move to the proper side to allow them by. Two folks did get caught behind us for a short time but they were able to pass when we all turned the corner towards the trail.
It was nice to have a supported run. I'd forgotten to bring any Clif Bars so decided against going the 8 miles that I'd hoped for. I think that would have been ambitious considering my lack of runs since Estes. I ate two orange wedges - the candy and sugar kind - that was at the first aid station. I also brought my own water bottle since they try to be cupless on the long runs. So, I was able to also take on some Gatorade as well. That helped a lot. It was hot even that early.
There wasn't a lot of instruction at the start which kind of bothered me. I wasn't sure if I needed to check in or anything. Apparently not. There were some announcements at about 6:15, some stretching after that, and then the group leader started sending out the pace groups. Since I was in the last pace group, I got to finish all the stretching exercises.
Most everyone seemed to know other folks in the larger group. Not all ran together in the same pace groups. Some who ran with the same pace groups didn't all run the same distances. But, our group seemed to like to chit chat during the run. The woman I ran alongside wasn't very chatty which was fine with me. She was going for 10 miles and had a pretty similar pace to mine. She left ahead of me at the first aid station though and I didn't see her again after that.
Once I hit the 6 mile turn around, I ran the rest of my run pretty much alone. I did stop to chat with David, the leader of RER. He was parked near one of the trail heads I think just encouraging folks along or perhaps checking to see when the first runners might make it back to the finish. I didn't know who he was as we'd only communicated via email. When I saw him there next to a RER SUV I asked if he was David. We chatted for a little longer than I'd anticipated but I was glad for the rest and time to stretch a bit.
When I made it back to Panera where we started, a few folks were milling about. I sort of hung around a bit as I had some questions for David but others were taking up his time. So, I headed home instead.
My alarm went off at 5am. I hit the snooze until about 5:15. I brushed my teeth, dressed, and hit the road by about 5:30. I got to Panera right about 6:10am. Announcements began about 6:15 and the run started about 6:30. My pace group went out about 6:40. I finished my run at 8am. I got home about 9am. That's a really long day for about an hour or so of actual running. I think that sealed it for me. I don't think I will join this training group. I'm sure there would be benefits and improvements but, that's just too much of my weekend and way to early. I think I'll do a couple of $20 drop in runs when they are convenient and I feel I need some pacing or a particular distance.
Otherwise, I just need to set myself up for early morning runs out my front door every weekend. I've already got a good route to run. I can pick my distance very easily as the miles are marked clearly by the stop lights along the route. I just have to commit and get it done. That's it.
I think I'll spend that money on a motorcycle safety training class. :-)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Bling!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Happy Trails!
Wow! I hadn't run since the half on the 12th. Has it really been that long? How did I let that happen? Well, it doesn't matter anymore because I had a very nice run in Chautauqua. We did about 3.26 miles in about an hour and 13 minutes. I was so looking forward to this run since it had been so long for me. And the trail is a nice place to get your groove back.
What I like about trail runs is that you get more bang for your buck. We only ran about 3 miles or so but put in over an hour of time. We moved slowly at times but also pushed up some hills for a short time. Navigating the rocks and roots makes for a multifaceted workout that I don't get in even an hour long road run. My glutes were happy! I also think I have better running form on the trails. I hold my head up straighter to look ahead for obstacles and turns. My arms are looser as I bound from one spot to the next over rocks. I think I even move my feet quicker because of the obstacle. I also think my shoes make a difference. I bought an inexpensive pair of Adidas trail shoes at Sports Authority. There isn't much rise in the heel and there isn't much cushion either. And they feel great! I'm going to adjust the shoe strings a little tighter next time so my foot doesn't move around so much in them. I really like them. I haven't done much distance with them yet but, I'm sure I will at some point.
At the start of our run, another hiker warned us of a bear on one of the trails. We weren't planning to go that way so we carried on. We made it as far as the NCAR connector trail before heading back. Some day we'll bring two cars and some food and extra water to make the complete trek. That'll be fun. :-)
Next week my mini trail running group from work moves our runs to Tuesdays instead of Thursdays.
What I like about trail runs is that you get more bang for your buck. We only ran about 3 miles or so but put in over an hour of time. We moved slowly at times but also pushed up some hills for a short time. Navigating the rocks and roots makes for a multifaceted workout that I don't get in even an hour long road run. My glutes were happy! I also think I have better running form on the trails. I hold my head up straighter to look ahead for obstacles and turns. My arms are looser as I bound from one spot to the next over rocks. I think I even move my feet quicker because of the obstacle. I also think my shoes make a difference. I bought an inexpensive pair of Adidas trail shoes at Sports Authority. There isn't much rise in the heel and there isn't much cushion either. And they feel great! I'm going to adjust the shoe strings a little tighter next time so my foot doesn't move around so much in them. I really like them. I haven't done much distance with them yet but, I'm sure I will at some point.
At the start of our run, another hiker warned us of a bear on one of the trails. We weren't planning to go that way so we carried on. We made it as far as the NCAR connector trail before heading back. Some day we'll bring two cars and some food and extra water to make the complete trek. That'll be fun. :-)
Next week my mini trail running group from work moves our runs to Tuesdays instead of Thursdays.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Estes Park Half Marathon Race Report
I was super excited for this event! Last year, this was the race I'd originally registered for when I decided to start training for a half marathon. It was scheduled for June 13th so I wanted to run 13 on the 13th. But, it turned out I had to miss the race that year. I ended up going to Germany for work for a conference. I'm not complaining. Germany was awesome. But, I missed my goal, my first running goal failed. I lost my mojo a bit after that and didn't get it back until the Rock and Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon last December. So, I felt a bit of redemption last weekend as I crossed the finish line. And it felt great!
The Estes Park Marathon is a pretty low key but well organized event. It's a family friendly event with a kids fun run the day before, a 5K, 10K, half, full and relay marathons. It's also a cup free event using the Hydrapouch system. Marathoners received a free Hydrapouch cup. I opted not to buy my own but to carry my water via my Camelbak 1.5L pack. I also bought an Amphipod fanny pack, without water bottles, to carry my Clif Bars. I forgot my iPhone belt clip so ended up carrying my phone in the tiny pocket on the Camelbak. I'd planned to bring some Sport Beans but forgot to buy more. But, I learned there would be Gatorade at the aid stations so decided that was just as good.
I also decided, that week, that I wanted to spend the night in Estes Park so I wouldn't have to get up so freaking early if I was leaving from home. I looked around and was planning to stay at the Rocky Mountain Park Inn when I had two offers from friends to stay with them. I ended up staying with my professor and mentor from library school. I always feel right at home there so it was perfect!
Race morning couldn't come soon enough!
I found a close parking spot, gathered my race number and settled in to wait for the start. It was a little chilly but not cold so I debated on whether or not to wear my long sleeve shirt. I often carry it around my waist when I run so I knew I'd be comfortable if I had to take it off. I decided to wear it. I'd decided the night before to wear my running skirt and my compression sleeves on my legs, mostly for warmth, although, turns out they are quite comfortable using them as they were intended.
As I mentioned, this is a pretty low key event, which means not nearly as many people as the Colfax race a month ago. The lines for the port-a-potty were manageable. They were oddly located very close to the start of the half marathon, which was convenient on the one hand, but there were also people waiting for the 10K start (in the same location) who were in line for the port-a-potty who got caught up in the crowd for the start of the half. Not a big deal but I thought they could have been moved a bit farther away from the start line. Here is a photo to illustrate that. I took this while standing in the port-a-potty line. The start line is the blue carpet near the orange cones.
No worries really because off we went! I decided not to run my iMapMyRun app because it would drain my iPhone battery and I wanted to be able to take photos along the route. I also didn't want to be able to check my time or pace because I wasn't shooting for anything but to have fun and finish feeling good. A race strategy I heard at the start was "I'm going to start slow and then ease up." I thought that was a brilliant idea.
As we made our way onto highway 36, the other back of the packers and I noticed a group of vultures sitting on the tower on the side of the road. It seemed as though they were waiting for us. "That's not a good omen!" some one said. We all laughed as the vultures all took off at once.
It was warm enough at the start that I opted to take the long sleeve over shirt off right away. That meant unhooking and removing my Camelbak. I had to slow to a walk to get this accomplished and then sprint a little to catch up to the folks I was planning to be my pace group. I managed all of that ok and didn't feel too stressed after catching up. I then was able to settle into a groove, find my pace, and begin to enjoy the run.
Have I mentioned that I love being in Estes Park? It's one of my most favorite places in Colorado. I am familiar enough with the town to know where I am on the course. I'd also driving the course once so sort of knew what to expect. I was feeling good. The weather was perfect. The sun was shinning, the sky was blue, and I was finally meeting my goal to run this half.
Here is the official course description:
"The half marathon course starts in front of the Estes Park middle school, heading West towards Manford Avenue. Turn right onto Community Drive, descending towards Lake Estes. Turn left onto Highway 36, keeping to the right of the highway within the coned section. Take a right at Highway 34, passing the visitor center on your right.Head up the hill, joining the last half of the marathon course. Take a left onto Elk Trail Court. The course winds through an open residential area that is mostly flat to downhill. Take a left onto North Lake Avenue, which is a downhill paralleling Hwy 34. Turn left onto Dry Gulch Road. The course climbs gradually for 3 miles and turns south onto Devils Gulch Road. The course is mostly downhill to mile 10, with a steep climb around mile 8. Mixed terrain takes you past the Stanley Hotel and down to Hwy 34. The course goes through the coned visitor center parking lot onto the bike trail around Lake Estes. The last 2 miles travels along the south side of Lake Estes, through the tunnel under Hwy 36, past the Stanley Fairgrounds and sports areas, and up to Brodie Avenue, turning right for a very short uphill before entering the Estes Park High School track and field at the SE corner. Complete less than one lap of the track counter clockwise and be greeted by enthusiastic crowds at the finish line!"
"The course climbs gradually for 3 miles..." I was ready for this gradual climb. When I drove the route earlier, I noticed red fire hydrants spaced along this stretch. My plan was to use them as my run/walk markers. There was an aid station at the bottom of the climb so I took in some Gatorade and settled in for the uphill 5K. I found myself paying more attention to my pace group than to my own strategy. That actually ended up working ok. There was a group of about 8 of us who leap-frogged up this part of the course. We all alternated between walking and running.
Where Dry Gulch Road headed south, at what I initially thought was the top of this climb, was another aid station and a port-a-potty with no line. I thought it best to utilize it so I wouldn't be second guessing and possibly suffering later. I'd been faithfully hydrating for several days leading up to race day, and had continued to take in fluids all of the day before and into the morning of the race. And I had plenty to carry me through the race. Stopping was a good idea. It was probably a 2 minute stop as I had to take off my waist pack and untie my shirt from my waist and then rearrange it all again, in addition to getting more Gatorade. After my long pit stop, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself catching my pace group on the downhill! Woo hoo!
About mile 9, when I stopped to take some photos, I was finally able to properly adjust the left shoulder strap on the Camelbak. It had been bouncing and in the process, rubbing my neck. It was quite annoying but I didn't want to stop to fix it. But, I stopped for a photo op of the Twin Owls.
There was a couple in a minivan parked there cheering some of us on. That was cool. It was also where I learned I was on pace to meet or beat my Vegas time. I heard one of the people call out to some one that it wasn't yet 9:00. When I took out my phone for the photo, I did check the clock time. That made me feel very good. I considered pushing it a bit to try to improve my time but thought better of it and settled back into my same pace.
I started to get a little tired, heavy in my legs, shortly after mile 10. I had a triumphant feeling when I say the 10 mile marker and I may have tried then to pick up my pace. But, I couldn't really go any faster and continued to take my walk breaks. We ran onto the Stanley Hotel property for a short bit of the course. That was fun but a little uphill. Once we got to highway 34 and crossed over it and onto the bike path, I knew we were in the home stretch! I knew then that I'd be able to finish strong. I picked it up just a little. But, right at the 12 mile marker I started to get a headache. And it felt like an altitude sickness headache, quite painful. So, I slowed to a walk and drank more water. I started to wish I had the sport beans. But, I did have the Clif Bars so I also ate another one of those. I'd eaten a few during the run but maybe I should have had more. I felt fine walking so, after a second attempt to continue my running pace, I decided to just continue to walk until I got to the high school track. I definitely wanted to run through the field and to the finish line. It turned out to be a good strategy.
Hooray!! My friend Florence was there to take these finish line photos! It was awesome! I stretched, finished off my water, had a Mix1 protein shake, ate half a banana, and watched a few more runners come in. Florence and I hung around a little and listened to some of the awards being presented. Then she went into town and I went back to the house to shower and pack. Nancy and Jim weren't able to make it to the finish line but were waiting to hear all about it when I got back to their place. Yay!! What an awesome day! After saying my goodbyes to them, I met Florence for some celebratory ice cream.
I felt very good after this run, much better than I did after Vegas, my first half. I grabbed some grub before heading back home. Once I was home I got very sleepy and took a nap before enjoying a nice steak dinner that my hubby had prepared for us. He's the best! Thanks love!
My finish time was 2:45:22. I was very pleased that it was faster than my Vegas time (2:49:03). Even though it wasn't very much faster, it certainly had more hills and altitude than Vegas so I'm happy with that. It's all good. My goals were met - keep moving, enjoy the scenery, don't pass out from the altitude. Hooray!! I'm so proud of myself! Thanks everyone for your support especially Florence for taking photos and celebrating with me, Nancy and Jim for letting me stay with them and for their encouragement, Natasha for her on going support, encouragement, and advice, and of course to Tim, my love, for everything.
When's the next one? :-)
I also decided, that week, that I wanted to spend the night in Estes Park so I wouldn't have to get up so freaking early if I was leaving from home. I looked around and was planning to stay at the Rocky Mountain Park Inn when I had two offers from friends to stay with them. I ended up staying with my professor and mentor from library school. I always feel right at home there so it was perfect!
Race morning couldn't come soon enough!
I found a close parking spot, gathered my race number and settled in to wait for the start. It was a little chilly but not cold so I debated on whether or not to wear my long sleeve shirt. I often carry it around my waist when I run so I knew I'd be comfortable if I had to take it off. I decided to wear it. I'd decided the night before to wear my running skirt and my compression sleeves on my legs, mostly for warmth, although, turns out they are quite comfortable using them as they were intended.
As I mentioned, this is a pretty low key event, which means not nearly as many people as the Colfax race a month ago. The lines for the port-a-potty were manageable. They were oddly located very close to the start of the half marathon, which was convenient on the one hand, but there were also people waiting for the 10K start (in the same location) who were in line for the port-a-potty who got caught up in the crowd for the start of the half. Not a big deal but I thought they could have been moved a bit farther away from the start line. Here is a photo to illustrate that. I took this while standing in the port-a-potty line. The start line is the blue carpet near the orange cones.
As we made our way onto highway 36, the other back of the packers and I noticed a group of vultures sitting on the tower on the side of the road. It seemed as though they were waiting for us. "That's not a good omen!" some one said. We all laughed as the vultures all took off at once.
It was warm enough at the start that I opted to take the long sleeve over shirt off right away. That meant unhooking and removing my Camelbak. I had to slow to a walk to get this accomplished and then sprint a little to catch up to the folks I was planning to be my pace group. I managed all of that ok and didn't feel too stressed after catching up. I then was able to settle into a groove, find my pace, and begin to enjoy the run.
Have I mentioned that I love being in Estes Park? It's one of my most favorite places in Colorado. I am familiar enough with the town to know where I am on the course. I'd also driving the course once so sort of knew what to expect. I was feeling good. The weather was perfect. The sun was shinning, the sky was blue, and I was finally meeting my goal to run this half.
Here is the official course description:
"The half marathon course starts in front of the Estes Park middle school, heading West towards Manford Avenue. Turn right onto Community Drive, descending towards Lake Estes. Turn left onto Highway 36, keeping to the right of the highway within the coned section. Take a right at Highway 34, passing the visitor center on your right.Head up the hill, joining the last half of the marathon course. Take a left onto Elk Trail Court. The course winds through an open residential area that is mostly flat to downhill. Take a left onto North Lake Avenue, which is a downhill paralleling Hwy 34. Turn left onto Dry Gulch Road. The course climbs gradually for 3 miles and turns south onto Devils Gulch Road. The course is mostly downhill to mile 10, with a steep climb around mile 8. Mixed terrain takes you past the Stanley Hotel and down to Hwy 34. The course goes through the coned visitor center parking lot onto the bike trail around Lake Estes. The last 2 miles travels along the south side of Lake Estes, through the tunnel under Hwy 36, past the Stanley Fairgrounds and sports areas, and up to Brodie Avenue, turning right for a very short uphill before entering the Estes Park High School track and field at the SE corner. Complete less than one lap of the track counter clockwise and be greeted by enthusiastic crowds at the finish line!"
"The course climbs gradually for 3 miles..." I was ready for this gradual climb. When I drove the route earlier, I noticed red fire hydrants spaced along this stretch. My plan was to use them as my run/walk markers. There was an aid station at the bottom of the climb so I took in some Gatorade and settled in for the uphill 5K. I found myself paying more attention to my pace group than to my own strategy. That actually ended up working ok. There was a group of about 8 of us who leap-frogged up this part of the course. We all alternated between walking and running.
Where Dry Gulch Road headed south, at what I initially thought was the top of this climb, was another aid station and a port-a-potty with no line. I thought it best to utilize it so I wouldn't be second guessing and possibly suffering later. I'd been faithfully hydrating for several days leading up to race day, and had continued to take in fluids all of the day before and into the morning of the race. And I had plenty to carry me through the race. Stopping was a good idea. It was probably a 2 minute stop as I had to take off my waist pack and untie my shirt from my waist and then rearrange it all again, in addition to getting more Gatorade. After my long pit stop, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself catching my pace group on the downhill! Woo hoo!
I started to get a little tired, heavy in my legs, shortly after mile 10. I had a triumphant feeling when I say the 10 mile marker and I may have tried then to pick up my pace. But, I couldn't really go any faster and continued to take my walk breaks. We ran onto the Stanley Hotel property for a short bit of the course. That was fun but a little uphill. Once we got to highway 34 and crossed over it and onto the bike path, I knew we were in the home stretch! I knew then that I'd be able to finish strong. I picked it up just a little. But, right at the 12 mile marker I started to get a headache. And it felt like an altitude sickness headache, quite painful. So, I slowed to a walk and drank more water. I started to wish I had the sport beans. But, I did have the Clif Bars so I also ate another one of those. I'd eaten a few during the run but maybe I should have had more. I felt fine walking so, after a second attempt to continue my running pace, I decided to just continue to walk until I got to the high school track. I definitely wanted to run through the field and to the finish line. It turned out to be a good strategy.
I felt very good after this run, much better than I did after Vegas, my first half. I grabbed some grub before heading back home. Once I was home I got very sleepy and took a nap before enjoying a nice steak dinner that my hubby had prepared for us. He's the best! Thanks love!
My finish time was 2:45:22. I was very pleased that it was faster than my Vegas time (2:49:03). Even though it wasn't very much faster, it certainly had more hills and altitude than Vegas so I'm happy with that. It's all good. My goals were met - keep moving, enjoy the scenery, don't pass out from the altitude. Hooray!! I'm so proud of myself! Thanks everyone for your support especially Florence for taking photos and celebrating with me, Nancy and Jim for letting me stay with them and for their encouragement, Natasha for her on going support, encouragement, and advice, and of course to Tim, my love, for everything.
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